Overview

Eligibility

Program Description

The western tip of Europe is steeped in ancient history, creating an incredibly rich base to launch your exploration of Portuguese culture and history. In panoramic Lisbon, you’ll find six levels of Portuguese language instruction and a wealth of other academic options provide intellectual challenge, while excursions to regional highlights and downtime with peers keep you learning off campus, too.

An intensive language program sets students of all language levels up for success, whether they take courses in English, Portuguese, or both. Students pursue their studies in an academically challenging environment at FCSH - Universidade Nova de Lisboa supplemented with cultural activities, excursions, and more. Students can take business classes at Instituto Superior de Ciências to Trabalho e Empresas, the ISCTE Business School. ISCTE Business School is AMBA and AACSB accredited.

Dates

Location

Older than London, Paris, and Rome, the hilly seaport of Lisbon has always been a major European political, economic, and cultural center. The capital city is full of intriguing contrasts, witness tiny shops with fading facades versus mega malls, and narrow, cobble-stoned streets versus wide-open vistas. With a generous attitude towards foreigners, a holiday vibe, and a mild climate, it’s a welcoming place with plenty to explore.

FCSH - Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL) is the School of Social Sciences and Humanities of the New University of Lisbon founded in 1977. This public university has five faculties, including FCSH, where our study-abroad program is based.

ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE-IUL) is a national university founded in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1972. ISCTE Business School is the largest school of ISCTE-IUL with over 3,500 students, specializing in business and management.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Course Listings

To find courses on the CIEE Lisbon program, follow the instructions on CIEE's website under "Academics."

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed.

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the CIEE's website before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:

Most courses at FCSH are taught in Portuguese and are typically 3 semester credits each, whereas at ISCTE Business School, most courses are taught in English for 3 semester credits each.

Academic Policies

You must enroll in a minimum number of 15 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits

You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis

World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad

You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad

If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:

Grade Conversion Scale

Host Institution Grade

Penn State Grade

A

A

A-

A-

B+

B+

B

B

B-

B-

C+

C+

C

C

D

D

F

F

Credit Conversion Scale

Host Institution Credit

Penn State Credit

3 credits per course

3 credits per course

Housing and Meals

Housing

Homestay

Students can pair up or live singly with Portuguese families – a great way to absorb maximum language and culture, and create lasting friendships. Each student has a private bedroom and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Residence Hall

If space is available, students can live in the heart of Lisbon, in a university dorm with students from all over the world. The modern dorm has single rooms with shared bathrooms, plus laundry facilities, and common spaces for studying and gathering.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Homestay

Hosts provided breakfast plus seven meals a week. Students can purchase the rest of their meals at on or nearby campus.

Residence hall

Meals are not included. Students can prepare meals at the dorm or eat in the subsidized university cafeteria.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser.

Scholarships

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies.

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred.

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

Life Abroad

General Information

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website.

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website.

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website.

Education Abroad Advisers

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website.

Social Media

For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!

NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing. Program dates are subject to change. Contact CIEE for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.

Academic Year

2019-2020

03/01/2019

03/13/2019

TBA

TBA

NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing. Program dates are subject to change. Contact CIEE for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.

Spring

2020

05/01/2019

06/07/2019

TBA

TBA

NOTE: Start date marks arrival in host country. End date marks departure from program housing. Program dates are subject to change. Contact CIEE for verification of dates before purchasing your airfare.

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Students will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.